The Presidency

Understanding and Evaluating Presidents

The Presidency Quiz

1. Describe the general trend of the development of presidential
power.

The general trend is that the president has gained more power over
time. In the early republic, most presidents thought their main job was
to carry out Congress’s wishes. Starting in the early twentieth century,
presidents saw themselves as leading actors in American politics. During
the Great Depression and World War II, FDR dramatically expanded the
power of the presidency. Presidents in recent years have continued to be
very powerful.

2. Why is the veto such a strong tool?

The veto is a powerful tool because few vetoes are overridden. The
president can stop Congress from enacting a law.

3. What does the term imperial presidency mean?

The “imperial presidency” is the view that the president has
become too strong and is a threat to democracy.